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Sinn Féin MLA’s welcome mandatory register of landlords in the north

Sinn Féin Housing spokesperson Fra McCann MLA and south Belfast MLA Alex Maskey have both welcomed today’s announcement that the Department for Social Development will introduce a register of private landlords in the north for the first time.

Speaking today Mr McCann said;

“This is something which Sinn Féin has been lobbying for, for some considerable time now; on the floor of the Assembly we have tabled several motions calling for the introduction of this register. While it has taken the Minister an unfortunately long period to implement one nevertheless I am glad it has now been announced that one will be implemented.

This scheme will allow for greater insight into the private rented sector, it will ensure that landlords are clearly registered and that both they and their tenants are aware of all their rights and entitlements.

I am glad that the Minister has finally heeded the calls from Sinn Féin and those many residents in the private sector who have been lobbying so hard for this register for such a long time.”

Mr Maskey added;

“I tabled a motion on the 19th of January calling once again for the introduction of this register, not least as part of Sinn Féin’s strategic plans for improving conditions in the Holyland area of my own constituency.

I welcome today’s announcement and while acknowledging fully that this alone will not solve the issues faced by the Holyland, it is something which we in Sinn Féin and residents in the area have been lobbying on up until now, without much interest from the Minister.

I am glad that she has now come to the position where she acknowledges she has an important role to play and I once again call for her to act as the lead Minister in a cross-departmental Executive sub-committee to tackle the outstanding issues faced by the Holyland community.” CRÍOCH